Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1445070
O utdoor participation trends have shifted over the past two years. And performance apparel brands, who remain laser-focused on sustainability, style and fabric tech, are also designing with an evolving consumer base in mind. The Outdoor Foundation's 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report found that upwards of 7.1-million more Americans took part in outdoor recreation in 2020 than the previous year, with a widening base of skill and interest levels. Even with these encouraging numbers, the report also revealed gaps in diversity and stagnant female participation, identifying a real opportunity to make the outdoors a more welcoming and accessible place. The increasing range of wants and needs from the growing base of outdoor participants, as well as a desire to invite a more diverse population to participate in outdoor recreation, is driving product creation for the Fall 2022. "Inclusivity is influencing style and design in the outdoors industry," explained Maggie Meisinger, Smartwool's Manager of Strategic Communications. "At Smartwool we believe everyone should have access to products that enable transformative moments outdoors, regardless of race, color, gender identity or expression, disability, and body shape and size." John Gage, co-founder at Appalachian Gear Company echoed this point, saying, "One of the primary style trends we see upcoming in 2022 is a re-working of 'fit' standards to be more inclusive of a wider variety of body shapes." Randy Schwartz, Senior Merchandising Manager at Marmot explained further, saying, "Consumers are moving more and more into versatility. Outdoor enthusiasts aren't just picking one lane of activity like they used to. They want to be able to do anything at any time, and our gear needs to reflect that." What's more, the evolving participation numbers and demographics, also mean there are an increasing number of voices calling for greater scrutiny on the industry's impact on the planet. In 2022, sustainability initiatives are pushing companies to new heights in an effort to find a way to keep both Mother Nature and the modern consumer happy and healthy. Here, we look at some key trends, new innovations and standout apparel products to look for from a variety of outdoor brands in the coming year. Ibex: Ethically Sourced Innovation Combining style and tech, the new WoolAire Hoody ($285) from Ibex is lightweight and packable, designed for high alpine pursuits. It's a water resistant merino-fill puffy jacket with high warmth-to-weight ratio. The Ibex WoolAire Hoody uses ethically sourced merino-fill — the brand farms its wool in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike down and synthetic filled puffy jackets, merino insulation won't lose loft if it gets wet and it doesn't break down over time. This new hoody functions as a mid or outer layer that is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It features a bluesign certified nylon shell that is both water resistant and windproof. Houdini: Minimalists at Heart Houdini Sportswear's Fall '22 line showcases the Swedish brand's minimalist outdoor approach, urging consumers to "reject fast fashion, to buy less and abandon wasteful purchasing habits." All of the fabrics used in Houdini's Fall '22 line are recycled, renewable, biodegradable or bluesign certified. "We are the perfect antidote to fast fashion because our products stand the test of time and are a planet friendly versatile solution for virtually any life situation," said Niclas Bornling, Houdini's head of brand and D2C. "Houdini's Essentials line solves all modern wardrobe challenges, with durable timeless style, from everyday use to adventures in the outdoor elements. It's a minimalist approach to products that have longevity both in quality and fashion. By creating garments meant to last, consumers lower the emissions and waste byproducts of their clothing while using premier items." The "Forward to Nature Campaign" featuring The New Naturals, is an online marketing campaign from Houdini launching for Fall 2022. It highlights the Alto, Desoli and Lana product families, upgraded collections adding new silhouettes and colors made with all natural materials and no synthetic mixes. These high performance, circular garments are odor-resistant, lightweight and highly breathable. FLYlow: Durable, Reliable, Eco-Conscious The trend towards materials and processes driven by sustainability are evident in FLYlow's new Baker Perm Bib ski pants ($520), which are set to hit the market in Fall 2022. "We've revamped our entire winter line to use more recycled fabrics and we've hand-picked our partners in the textile industry to ensure Flylow's products meet the highest safety and environmental standards," explained Dan Abrams, Flylow President. In addition to sustainability, durability is a big headliner for this next-level bib ski pant, which is made with the brand's proprietary recycled Perm HD fabric. Together, these special fibers, along with reinforced knees, offer optimal durability, waterproofing, and air permeability for almost any imaginable mountain endeavor. "Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing the world, and we're doing our best to reduce our impact," added Abrams. "That includes using fabrics and insulations made from 20 • Outdoor Insight • Winter 2022 outdoorinsightmag.com AIMING HIGH Innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity lead the way in performance outdoor apparel for Fall 2022. By Mackenzie Havey